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The Untold Truth of Jelly Beans: A Sweet and Fascinating Journey
Jelly beans, those colorful and sugary balls of pleasure, have captured the hearts of candy lovers for generations. Whether you enjoy the classic drugstore varieties or indulge in gourmet varieties with a variety of flavors, jelly beans are a treat that can be enjoyed every day, not just on National Jelly Bean Day. But have you ever wondered about the origin and creation of these tiny confections? Or how they manage to pack such intense flavors, both delightful and occasionally gross? In this article, we will explore the untold truth about jelly beans, revealing fascinating facts and shedding light on the secrets behind their creation.
1. They may be of Middle Eastern origin
The exact origin of jelly beans remains a bit elusive, but the prevailing belief among experts is that their soft center is a descendant of a Middle Eastern confection known as Turkish Delight. Turkish Delight, or lokum, dates back to pre-Biblical times and features a gummy center made of starch, sugar, and chopped fruit or nuts. The similarities in texture and appearance between Turkish Delight and jelly beans suggest a historical connection, making it likely that jelly beans have Middle Eastern roots.
2. They’ve supposedly been around longer than cars.
It may seem strange to consider the history of a candy, but jelly beans actually have a storied past that predates the invention of the automobile. Turkish delight, from which jelly beans are thought to have evolved, originated in the Persian Empire around 226 AD. In the 1750s, Sultan Abdul Hamid I had daily batches of Turkish Delight prepared for his harem of wives. It wasn’t until the mid-1800s that an unknown candy maker in Boston took Turkish Delight and turned it into the jelly beans we know today. So the next time you enjoy a jelly bean, remember that it has a history that spans centuries.
3. It takes time and precision to make a jelly bean.
While it only takes a few seconds to enjoy a handful of jelly beans, the process of creating these tiny treats is far more complicated and time-consuming. According to Jelly Belly, one of the most famous purveyors of jelly beans, it takes seven to 21 days to make a single jelly bean. The process involves heating liquid sugar, mixing in starch and glucose, pouring the mixture into bean-shaped molds, and allowing it to dry. The beans are then steamed, coated with more liquid sugar, and spun in a machine to add color and flavor. Finally, grains of sugar are poured into the machine to create the hard outer shell. The entire process, though lengthy, is undoubtedly worth the wait when you experience the burst of flavor in each jelly bean.
4. Smell is the secret to great flavor
Jelly beans are known for their wide range of flavors, both delicious and downright disgusting. Ever wonder how they manage to mimic the taste of vomit or rotten eggs? The answer lies in the meticulous process that companies like Jelly Belly use. To create authentic and lifelike flavors, the company uses a gas chromatograph to analyze the chemical makeup of real-life gross things. These substances are then converted into vapors, which are further converted into flavor markers. Such is the commitment to authenticity that Jelly Belly’s flavor scientist even aged his own socks to capture the essence of Stinky Socks. So the next time you encounter a disgusting jelly bean flavor, remember the dedication that went into its creation.
5. Those shiny shells? Bug poop!
Prepare to be surprised – the shiny exterior of jelly beans is due to shellac, a resin secreted by the female lac bug. After consuming the sap of trees, the bug secretes a resin that is harvested and processed into flakes. These flakes are then dissolved in ethanol to make liquid shellac, which is sprayed on jelly beans and other products to give them a shiny finish. So if you’re vegan or vegetarian, you may want to reconsider your jelly bean consumption, as they contain a substance derived from insects.
6. Your favorite flavor may depend on where you’re from.
Choosing a favorite jelly bean flavor can be a challenging task because everyone has their own preferences. However, it turns out that regional preferences play a role in determining the most popular flavors. CandyStore.com analyzed jelly bean sales data and conducted surveys in all 50 states, revealing some interesting patterns. The most polarizing flavor in America is buttered popcorn, which has been the favorite in 11 states over the past decade. Black licorice, a close second, remains the number one choice in eight states. And rounding out the top three is sweet and spicy cinnamon. So your jelly bean flavor preference may be influenced by your geographic location.
7. Jelly Beans and Pop Culture
Jelly beans have made appearances in various forms of pop culture, further cementing their status as a beloved treat. C.S. Lewis’ classic book series, The Chronicles of Narnia, features Turkish delight, a candy similar to jelly beans, as a central plot point. In the 2005 film adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the White Witch uses Turkish Delight to seduce and manipulate Edmund. While jelly beans themselves may not have had a direct role in the movies or books, their historical connection to Turkish Delight adds a touch of magic and nostalgia to their story.
8. The jelly bean craze
Jelly beans have become an integral part of many holidays and celebrations. They are a staple of Easter baskets, with the Easter Bunny often leaving them as colorful surprises for children to discover. Jelly beans are also associated with the American tradition of the Fourth of July, where they represent the colors of the flag. Their vibrant colors and sweet flavors make them a popular choice for decorating cakes, cupcakes and other treats during festive occasions.
9. Jelly Beans as Collectibles
For some enthusiasts, jelly beans are more than just candy; they are collectibles. Unique and limited-edition flavors, special packaging, and collaborations with popular franchises have made jelly beans a sought-after collector’s item. Companies like Jelly Belly have capitalized on this trend by introducing themed collections, such as Harry Potter-inspired flavors or Disney-themed assortments. Collecting jelly beans allows fans to combine their love of candy with the thrill of collecting rare and unique items.
10. Storage Hacks for Jelly Beans
To keep your jelly beans fresh and delicious, a few storage hacks can come in handy. First, it’s important to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Exposing jelly beans to heat or moisture can cause them to become sticky or lose their vibrant colors. Second, consider using airtight containers or resealable bags to prevent air exposure and maintain their texture. Finally, if you have a large quantity of jelly beans, consider storing them in small, portioned containers to avoid frequent opening and closing of the main package, which can lead to moisture absorption and staleness.
In conclusion, jelly beans are more than just candy. They have a rich history, from their Middle Eastern origins to their evolution into the beloved treat we enjoy today. The process of making jelly beans is a labor of love, requiring precision and patience. Their flavors range from the delicious to the bold, capturing the imagination and taste buds of candy lovers around the world. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or crave the more adventurous flavors, jelly beans offer a sweet and fascinating journey through their untold truth.
FAQS
What is the origin of jelly beans?
Jelly beans are believed to have originated from a Middle Eastern confection called Turkish Delight, which dates back to pre-biblical times.
How are jelly beans made?
The process of making jelly beans involves heating liquid sugar, mixing in starch and glucose, pouring the mixture into bean-shaped molds, drying the beans, coating them with liquid sugar, adding colors and flavors, and finally creating a hard outer shell with sugar grains.
Why do some jelly beans taste disgusting?
Companies like Jelly Belly use a meticulous process to create authentic and lifelike flavors, including disgusting ones. They use a gas chromatograph to analyze the chemical makeup of real-life gross things and convert them into flavor markers.
What gives jelly beans their shiny exterior?
Jelly beans get their shiny finish by being sprayed with shellac, a resin derived from the secretions of the female lac bug.
Are there any regional preferences for jelly bean flavors?
Yes, regional preferences play a role in determining the most popular jelly bean flavors. Buttery popcorn is the most polarizing flavor in the United States, followed by black licorice and sweet and spicy cinnamon.
How should I store jelly beans to keep them fresh?
To keep jelly beans fresh, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. It’s also helpful to use airtight containers or resealable bags to prevent air exposure and maintain their texture.